KIDNEY, ANYONE? 24,000-mile 1977 Toyota Celica GT

Almost two years ago to the day we reported on a 24,000-mile 1977 Celica GT Liftback for sale in Berthoud, Colorado. Asking price? $19,000. Some balked at the sum, despite the fact that the car was showroom fresh with an undercarriage you could eat off of. Turns out it was a bargain, because that exact same car is for sale again, and for significantly more dough.

Apparently the car owes its minty fresh condition to a life spent in a Colorado dealership until 2003. It was then sold to a local collector and exchanged hands one more time until we saw it for sale in 2011.

Back then JNC reader spacecowboyian, a Berthoud resident, tipped us off to the fact that the car had actually sold for significantly less than the $19,000 asking price. It then migrated across the country to Parishville, New York near the Canadian border where it stayed for two years hardly gaining any additional miles.

The current seller calls it “the finest 1977 Toyota Celica GT Liftback in existence” and has listed it on eBay with a Buy It Now of $27,000. It looks like he’ll get it too, because as of this writing, the bidding has climbed to $26,100. With the recent 2000GT breaking the million dollar barrier, it’s no surprise that other classic Toyotas are seeing a price surge.

I know that rising prices means a higher appreciation of classics japanese cars, BUT that means that the average guy who loves these cars can no longer afford them. The only ones who would pay these exorbitant prices are the douche bags that ran up the prices on muscle cars during the 90’s. It’s not about monetary portfolio investment it’s about love.

I disagree with your statement, this car is in showroom FACTORY UNTOUCHED immaculate condition. Unless you find another car in similar condition then it will not get anywhere near the asking price of this car.

When was the last time you spotted 5 Celica’s of this model in similar condition ? I’m guessing you’ll be referring to the mid 70’s ! Your average Celica will still sell for next to nothing so I wouldn’t worry too much.

I feel sad when I see this car, because all I can think about is the 77 like this, basically identical that was crushed recently in my friend’s junkyard. There were 2, along with a AE86 coupe and a RA64 liftback. The silver 77 was totally restorable when it was laid to rest. I’m glad I got my hands on the one RA64 that was good, and I will never part. Although I one day will own something like this one.

I have no idea what a Celica is worth however you couldn’t restore a car to this level for the money being asked unless you had panel and paint skills. Saves you a lot of trouble trying to find unavailable parts as well as having to compromise with crap fitting reproduction parts.

The car will sell to an uncompromising Toyota fan where originality is important above all else either through private negotiation or via eBay. It’s obviously not being marketed at someone who just got their drivers licence and wants to fit some flared guards and a turbo rotary to go drifting on the weekends.

Some of you guys would be surprised what older guys reminiscent of their youth are prepared to pay for the right car. These guys generally have a little money behind them having worked their way up in the world over a 20+ year period.

There’s recent history of RA28 GT’s [of the very few] sold privately in Australia for near $20k and over that price, including one genuine TA22 GT currently for sale @ $25k here. FYI $1 AUD = $1.05 USD (approx 1 year+). Im suprised by all the negative comments saying its too high, this one is MINT with low KM, and a GT liftback (much sought for) on top of that all. Genuine top of the line GT’s should command higher selling prices, and its all about the demand after all.